Corporate philanthropy in a tough economy charts a course to the bottom line.

If profits are good but jobs are dwindling, keep on giving; if the books are in the red, it might be best to take care of your own business.

That was the conclusion of panelists at the Business Record’s first Power Breakfast of the year today at the Des Moines Embassy Club.

“We have to be in business to be able to keep on giving,” said Craig Jackman, president of Paragon IT Partners.

Jackson could count himself among a panel of corporate givers: Robert McGowen, president of McGowen, Hurst, Clark & Smith P.C.; Suku Radia, president and CEO of Bankers Trust Co.; and Rick Tollakson, president and CEO of Hubbell Realty Co.

All four said they emphasize community involvement and giving, both to human resources and to arts and cultural organizations, in their companies. Tollakson, for example, requires Hubbell employees to give to United Way of Central Iowa while also following the lead of business partners and clients in additional involvement in Greater Des Moines charity.

Their instincts are to keep on giving in the face of troubled times, even if their companies were experiencing layoffs.

“At the end of the day, the needs of the community haven’t changed,” said Radia, a CEO who finds time to mentor young people on weekends. As part of that, he tries to instill a sense of social responsibility.

Tollakson said, “If you’re making money, you need to keep that responsibility.”

Though Tollakson said he mandates United Way involvement, but not the amount of giving, he also encourages workers to find philanthropies in which they have a keen interest, while also fostering the company’s business relationships.

McGowen said his company allows workers to take time off to participate in charitable activities and encourages them to find causes they care about.

“Passion is really important,” he said.

The discussion was moderated by Shannon Cofield, president of United Way of Central Iowa, and sponsored by Des Moines Area Community College.